One of the unique features of the I and M Canal in Ottawa was the Lateral Canal. This was a canal that wound its way through the city. It was a method of providing hydraulic power to many businesses located there. It originated at the junction of the Fox River Feeder and the main I and M canal. It went south until it reached the area known as the Hydraulic Basin. Here it changed direction and headed east until it reached the Fox River and there discharged its water. This site was near the Ottawa Boat Club.
Currently, some bridge footings near the site of origin are the only remnants of the Lateral Canal.
